Border Checkpoint at Dovev Scene of Joyous Reunion Between Lebanese and Relatives in Israel

Israel’s border checkpoint at Dovev went into official operation today as some 50 families from south Lebanon crossed over for a visit of two weeks to a month with their relatives in Israel. The new border post was complete with Ministry of Interior and Customs officials stamping the visitors’ passports. Even an improvised bank was set up.

But the real drama came after the villagers went through the official red tape and met their relatives, many of whom they had never seen before. They embraced, kissed, wept and laughed.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese who have been working in Israel received their first pay yesterday. Some complained because it was in Israeli Pounds. The Lebanese, however, are expected to use most of their pay to buy goods they need in Israel. In another development, a group of notables from the Gaza Strip visited the “good fence” yesterday and talked with the Lebanese who came to Israel.